THE EFFECTS OF OUR CHOICES

The choices we make affect not only our own life but the lives of our loved ones as well. When we do not seek God or acknowledge that He exists, then we are choosing to rebel against Him.  If we are not loving God with all our heart, all our soul, all our mind, and all our strength, and loving our neighbor as ourselves, then we are choosing to disobey God, and this will have a negative impact on all our relationships.  Unkind actions, and the gaps created by our failing to reach out with care and blessing, will affect everyone in our family and circle of friends.

God describes this condition this way: Now listen! Today I am giving you a choice between life and death, between prosperity and disaster … love the Lord your God and keep his commands, decrees, and regulations by walking in his ways.  If you do this, you will live and multiply, and the Lord your God will bless you … But if your heart turns away and you refuse to listen, and if you are drawn away to serve and worship other gods, then I warn you now that you will certainly be destroyed.  (Deuteronomy 30:15-18a NLT)

To a sensible person these would seem like easy choices – life over death; prosperity over disaster; blessings over curses.  Unfortunately, many of us choose to follow our own ways and desires and suffer the harmful consequences of doing so.  Why? We don’t want to give up our sinful pleasures and we want to maintain control of our circumstances.  Getting our own way seems like the most convenient and pleasant path for a time. That’s why we choose it.  God, through the death of his beloved son Jesus, has shown us the cost of our sinful choices.  Jesus died a punishing death on a cross to pay the price for our sin. 

God’s unfailing love and forgiveness are available to us even when we have made unwise choices. By His grace we are strengthened and made strong to overcome any weaknesses that may still exist within us. 

Prayer:  Loving God, I ask for forgiveness for my rebellious ways.  Strengthen my resolve to obey You in all I say and do.  My desire is to love You with all my heart, soul, and mind.  I am forever grateful for Your Power which will help me overcome my weaknesses. Amen